Have you ever read something in the Bible and thought, "That's impossible!" If so, you're not alone. Anyone who has spent time in God's Word has thought something like that. One verse that requires more thought and understanding is Matthew 5:48: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (HCSB)
To help us understand what God expects of us, it helps to see examples in scripture. Two come to mind. The Bible says, "Noah was a just man, perfect in his generation. Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6:9) But we know that Noah sinned, yet God called him perfect. I Kings 15:14 speaks of Asa, whose "heart was perfect with the Lord all his days." Yet, the Bible says Asa acted foolishly and relied on the Syrians and not the Lord his God. (2 Chronicles 16:7) When I came to that realization, I wanted to learn more.
In Matthew, Jesus said to "be perfect." First, it is important to know He was talking to "kingdom citizens." These are people who have received the very Spirit of God. Second, the perfection of the Christian is a relative thing, starting where we are. It is a called to live the lifestyle of one who is "seeking to be" more and more like our Father. That is exactly what He longs for any of His children to do. And we can do that at this very moment. It is a choice. We can say, "I will pursue God and His ways from now on." It is based on our present state of maturity in Him. It is there that we start "to be perfect" before Him.
Now, that is an exciting thing for a child of God. The first thing we must do is accept God's call and give our life to it. Then in our pursuit of Him, we begin to understand. No more burden of trying to achieve the impossible. When we step out into such a journey, suddenly we find God at work in our lives. We are considered perfect as we pursue Him. When we do so, He makes us more and more like Himself. We can all be "perfect" like that.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Push Your Rock
I remember hearing of a story which I think would qualify as a modern day parable (an earthly story with a heavenly meaning). It goes like this….
One day God took one of His servants, named Servant, to a high mountain and said to Servant, “See this huge rock?”
Servant said, “Yes!”
God said, “I want you to push it until I return. Will you do that?”
“Yes, I will,” replied Servant. So he undertook the task.
Years and years went by and the servant did not see God. But, because he had promised, he continued to push the huge rock.
After many more years of pushing, Servant became discouraged. He began to think, “I don’t see any reason why I should push this huge rock. It makes no sense and I see no reason for doing it. This is worthless.”
Soon after that, God appeared before Him and said, “Are you faithfully pushing my rock?”
Servant said, “Yes! But this makes no sense to me. I’ve been pushing this huge rock for years and it hasn’t moved an inch. I just want to give up.”
Then God said, “I never told you to move the rock. I only wanted you to push it. Step back and look at yourself.”
Servant stepped back and looked at himself. What he found was not the small, weak, skinny servant who began pushing the rock. He saw a big, strong muscular servant who was fit for any task God may have for him.
Servant, don’t stop pushing your rock. Life is full of them, and God often sends us to push them. Don’t pick your own. Let God show you your rock. Then faithfully push it, and wait in faithfulness. He will explain eventually. But the goal isn't simply obedience. It is oneness with the Lord that leads to complete obedience. Oneness with Him, without anything interfering, is the only good thing. Then He can say, "Come, follow me."
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, HCSB)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Hope In Your Storm
The stories and experiences of Jesus are full of relevant guidance for our lives today. For example the maidens filling their lamps are an encouragement, and a warning regarding preparation for the future. The "Beatitudes," that may seem to provide only surface guidance, actually contain deep truths that change us from the inside out. And the list goes on. They are like treasures scattered throughout an open field, providing eternal wealth to any taker. Honest exploration of any of these jewels will always reveal new and deeper values.
Consider the event of Jesus as He walked on the water before His disciples. (Mark 6:45-55) The disciples had undertaken a normal daily task, traveling across the Sea of Galilee. But during that time, a great storm suddenly arose. The Bible says, "Jesus came toward them, walking on the water, He intended to go past them, but... they saw him...." (Mark 6:48b-49a) Jesus was going to meet them on the other side. In the process, He saw their need (as He always does) and made Himself available to them. He was not intending to go to them unless they asked Him. When they called out to Him, with the willingness to obey, they found that all the resources of Heaven became available to them.
The disciples are like us, fighting the storms of life. If you are now facing storms in your life, Jesus has made Himself visible to you. But in order to see Him, you must be willing. He will pass by unless you accept the offer of His presence. Just as with the disciples, we must call upon Him, obey His guidance and put our full trust in Him. Do you feel like you are drowning in life's problems? Do you need heaven's power in your life today? Remember what Jesus did for the disciples: "Jesus... said to them, 'All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.... I am with you all the days'...." (Matthew 28:18a, 20b, AMP) Don't face your storm alone. Jesus is waiting for your response. There is hope in Jesus.
Consider the event of Jesus as He walked on the water before His disciples. (Mark 6:45-55) The disciples had undertaken a normal daily task, traveling across the Sea of Galilee. But during that time, a great storm suddenly arose. The Bible says, "Jesus came toward them, walking on the water, He intended to go past them, but... they saw him...." (Mark 6:48b-49a) Jesus was going to meet them on the other side. In the process, He saw their need (as He always does) and made Himself available to them. He was not intending to go to them unless they asked Him. When they called out to Him, with the willingness to obey, they found that all the resources of Heaven became available to them.
The disciples are like us, fighting the storms of life. If you are now facing storms in your life, Jesus has made Himself visible to you. But in order to see Him, you must be willing. He will pass by unless you accept the offer of His presence. Just as with the disciples, we must call upon Him, obey His guidance and put our full trust in Him. Do you feel like you are drowning in life's problems? Do you need heaven's power in your life today? Remember what Jesus did for the disciples: "Jesus... said to them, 'All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.... I am with you all the days'...." (Matthew 28:18a, 20b, AMP) Don't face your storm alone. Jesus is waiting for your response. There is hope in Jesus.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Marvelous, Infinite, Matchless Grace
Why is God's grace so important to you and me? It is important because without it, we simply have no hope whatsoever. We need God's grace. God's grace goes beyond the guilt and sin we needlessly drag through our lives. God gives it without expecting or accepting payment. It is that gift that comes only through the work of Jesus Christ. It is that gift which glorifies the Father and forever makes us right with Him.
Do you carry with you the burden of guilt of past sin? God's grace will set you free. He has paid your debt already. Do you have trouble "dropping" the weight of guilt you feel? Never hesitate to give it to Him. He will take it. And if you feel that burden again, give it to Him again, and again, and again, until you can find it no more. "Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 7:24-25, NLT)
Perhaps Paul can show us the way. He said, "For when I tried to keep the law, I realized I could never earn God's approval. So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ." (Galatians 2:19, NLT)
I cannot rid myself of the sin and guilt that is mine. I can only ask, and trust that through the work of Jesus, God will take it away. And I find that when I serious lay before Him my sin, honestly seeking His forgiveness, He is faithful, and just to forgive my sin and cleanse me from ALL unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) That is His promise. That is my only hope.
"I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free." (Isaiah 44:22, NLT) It is already done. He is waiting for you to accept. He is waiting for you to return to Him.
Do you carry with you the burden of guilt of past sin? God's grace will set you free. He has paid your debt already. Do you have trouble "dropping" the weight of guilt you feel? Never hesitate to give it to Him. He will take it. And if you feel that burden again, give it to Him again, and again, and again, until you can find it no more. "Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 7:24-25, NLT)
Perhaps Paul can show us the way. He said, "For when I tried to keep the law, I realized I could never earn God's approval. So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ." (Galatians 2:19, NLT)
I cannot rid myself of the sin and guilt that is mine. I can only ask, and trust that through the work of Jesus, God will take it away. And I find that when I serious lay before Him my sin, honestly seeking His forgiveness, He is faithful, and just to forgive my sin and cleanse me from ALL unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) That is His promise. That is my only hope.
"I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free." (Isaiah 44:22, NLT) It is already done. He is waiting for you to accept. He is waiting for you to return to Him.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Faith In Our Faith
There have been times when I've prayed and the answers were so specific and detailed that it was beyond coincidence. God answered the prayer. God spoke to my heart and the communication was so strong and clear that I was as sure it was God. It was as if He was a person who stood before me and talked. Then at other times, it seemed that nothing happened. It felt like God didn't even exist. There have been times that I've said, "If I only had enough faith."
The Bible clearly teaches that faith is a "must" for answered prayer. “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6-7, NIV) Jesus often spoke of faith and even mentioned the lack of faith among His disciples. He spoke of great things being done with just a small amount of faith. He spoke of great faith in the most unsuspecting people. Faith is a "must" if we are to expect anything from God. But how do you get such faith?
The Bible teaches that faith comes from God’s Word. Often we “pray” for faith when God clearly says we are to find it in His Word. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17, NIV) There are many times that I have asked God to give me more faith only to hear Him clearly say, “Read my Word.” It is there that we find faith for following Him.
A good example of this is when I became a Christian. I didn’t have the faith to be saved. But when my pastor showed me what the Bible said about becoming a Christian, I had faith to believe. That is the way God intends it throughout our Christian lives. We are to spend time with Jesus, the Word of God (John 1:14), and through that we have faith for life. There is no other way.
But there is a caution. If we are not careful, we can begin to trust in our faith more than we trust in God. That is “faith in our faith.” Or, we can trust in the amount, dedication to, or intensity of our prayer rather than trusting in God. That is “faith in our prayers.” Both look so “right” that they can lead us astray in our prayer life. We must be careful to have faith in God, as revealed to us in His Word. If we remember, instead of seeking the answer in God, to seek God in the answer, we are on the right path.
Jesus said, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:13-14, NIV) We must pray “as Jesus would pray”… that is, in His name. He prayed only to glorify the Father. And we can do that as we know His will… and that is revealed in only His Word.
The Bible clearly teaches that faith is a "must" for answered prayer. “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6-7, NIV) Jesus often spoke of faith and even mentioned the lack of faith among His disciples. He spoke of great things being done with just a small amount of faith. He spoke of great faith in the most unsuspecting people. Faith is a "must" if we are to expect anything from God. But how do you get such faith?
The Bible teaches that faith comes from God’s Word. Often we “pray” for faith when God clearly says we are to find it in His Word. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17, NIV) There are many times that I have asked God to give me more faith only to hear Him clearly say, “Read my Word.” It is there that we find faith for following Him.
A good example of this is when I became a Christian. I didn’t have the faith to be saved. But when my pastor showed me what the Bible said about becoming a Christian, I had faith to believe. That is the way God intends it throughout our Christian lives. We are to spend time with Jesus, the Word of God (John 1:14), and through that we have faith for life. There is no other way.
But there is a caution. If we are not careful, we can begin to trust in our faith more than we trust in God. That is “faith in our faith.” Or, we can trust in the amount, dedication to, or intensity of our prayer rather than trusting in God. That is “faith in our prayers.” Both look so “right” that they can lead us astray in our prayer life. We must be careful to have faith in God, as revealed to us in His Word. If we remember, instead of seeking the answer in God, to seek God in the answer, we are on the right path.
Jesus said, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:13-14, NIV) We must pray “as Jesus would pray”… that is, in His name. He prayed only to glorify the Father. And we can do that as we know His will… and that is revealed in only His Word.
Friday, July 24, 2009
"Why Do I Keep Doing That?"
"Why do I keep doing that?" That was pretty much the question of Paul when he said, "I have a desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do, no; the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:18b-19)
Paul answered the question. He saw that his predicament was the same as true believers today. He wanted to do what was right. He intended to do what was right. But it seemed impossible to do it. He found himself doing the wrong he didn't want to do. He felt hopeless... and was hopeless, except for one thing. He had a Savior.
Paul's dilemma was the same as ours. For the child of God, as long as we are here on this earth, there will always be an inner struggle. It is a spiritual warfare between the old, dying self and the "new" spiritual person redeemed and brought to life by the work of Jesus Christ. The good news is that when God looks at a believer, He only sees the "new" person... saved by grace (the undeserved gift of life from God). This is where we ask the question, "Why do I keep doing that." God knows that our sins are coming from the "old person." He knows we still have inner struggles while on this earth.
The battle goes like this. Satan fires his accusations at us, saying things like: "You can't be saved. Look at what you do. You can't help doing those things. Just give up." But the Spirit of God comes to help us. He is constantly doing what we cannot do. He maintains our spiritual life. Then He reminds us, "... You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32, NIV). That truth is found in God's Word. It is with "truth" that we overcome.
God is waiting on you to give Him permission to help you in those earthly struggles. Facing daily struggles is a joint effort. The answer is found in our dependence on God's Word. He will bring it to life if we allow Him to do so. He says, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8-9) We become self-controlled through God's work within us, as we absorb His Word. We "stand firm in the faith" remembering that our "faith" comes from His Word as well. (Romans 10:17) We successfully resist our enemy through God's work within us, as we absorb His Word. Satan "runs in terror" as a result of God's presence within us. God's Word is vital to our victory in life.
After expressing his dilemma, Paul said, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25) Jesus IS the Word. (John 1:14) Stand strong and be victorious with the weapon God has provided for you. "Take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17, NIV)
We don't have to "beat ourselves up" over our sins. And we should never just accept our sin because "we can't help it." We can have victory through Christ. His grace and His presence allow it.
Paul answered the question. He saw that his predicament was the same as true believers today. He wanted to do what was right. He intended to do what was right. But it seemed impossible to do it. He found himself doing the wrong he didn't want to do. He felt hopeless... and was hopeless, except for one thing. He had a Savior.
Paul's dilemma was the same as ours. For the child of God, as long as we are here on this earth, there will always be an inner struggle. It is a spiritual warfare between the old, dying self and the "new" spiritual person redeemed and brought to life by the work of Jesus Christ. The good news is that when God looks at a believer, He only sees the "new" person... saved by grace (the undeserved gift of life from God). This is where we ask the question, "Why do I keep doing that." God knows that our sins are coming from the "old person." He knows we still have inner struggles while on this earth.
The battle goes like this. Satan fires his accusations at us, saying things like: "You can't be saved. Look at what you do. You can't help doing those things. Just give up." But the Spirit of God comes to help us. He is constantly doing what we cannot do. He maintains our spiritual life. Then He reminds us, "... You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32, NIV). That truth is found in God's Word. It is with "truth" that we overcome.
God is waiting on you to give Him permission to help you in those earthly struggles. Facing daily struggles is a joint effort. The answer is found in our dependence on God's Word. He will bring it to life if we allow Him to do so. He says, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8-9) We become self-controlled through God's work within us, as we absorb His Word. We "stand firm in the faith" remembering that our "faith" comes from His Word as well. (Romans 10:17) We successfully resist our enemy through God's work within us, as we absorb His Word. Satan "runs in terror" as a result of God's presence within us. God's Word is vital to our victory in life.
After expressing his dilemma, Paul said, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25) Jesus IS the Word. (John 1:14) Stand strong and be victorious with the weapon God has provided for you. "Take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17, NIV)
We don't have to "beat ourselves up" over our sins. And we should never just accept our sin because "we can't help it." We can have victory through Christ. His grace and His presence allow it.
Alone
Sometimes I feel alone. Even in the midst of a crowd of people I've felt as if I was without anyone to walk with me through what lay ahead. We know from the God's Word that He does not intend for us to be alone. (Gen. 2:18) Even though we may be surrounded by people who love us, it is still possible to "feel" alone. Do you ever feel that way?
There are times when God lets us go through trials. He allows us face difficult times that challenge us. Sometimes He "seems" very distant or even absent from our lives. It's important for us to remember, we are never alone. Times like that could be your test for God to show you how much you "really" trust Him and His Word.
God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5b). The truth is that a child of God may wonder away from the Father to the point of not realizing His presence, but He is watching and waiting for our return.
I know of a father who's little daughter had just learned to walk well. She had a tendency to "break-and-run" without giving notice. While walking in a crowded mall, she made her move. The dad decided to let her go until she didn't know what to do. Without her knowledge, he lovingly and "quickly" followed to keep a protective eye on her as she "zig-zagged" through the crowd.
After running from one end of the mall to the other she ran "out of mall." Stopping and looking around she suddenly realized there was no more option. Seeing no familiar faces she began to whimper and cry. It was then that her dad reached down and let her know she was not alone. When he picked her up he received a tight hug around the neck. She felt safe again.
Loving dads do that. God does it even more. Are you running? The Father is waiting.
"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and wondrous things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3, HCSB)
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There are times when God lets us go through trials. He allows us face difficult times that challenge us. Sometimes He "seems" very distant or even absent from our lives. It's important for us to remember, we are never alone. Times like that could be your test for God to show you how much you "really" trust Him and His Word.
God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5b). The truth is that a child of God may wonder away from the Father to the point of not realizing His presence, but He is watching and waiting for our return.
I know of a father who's little daughter had just learned to walk well. She had a tendency to "break-and-run" without giving notice. While walking in a crowded mall, she made her move. The dad decided to let her go until she didn't know what to do. Without her knowledge, he lovingly and "quickly" followed to keep a protective eye on her as she "zig-zagged" through the crowd.
After running from one end of the mall to the other she ran "out of mall." Stopping and looking around she suddenly realized there was no more option. Seeing no familiar faces she began to whimper and cry. It was then that her dad reached down and let her know she was not alone. When he picked her up he received a tight hug around the neck. She felt safe again.
Loving dads do that. God does it even more. Are you running? The Father is waiting.
"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and wondrous things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3, HCSB)
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Grace Enough
There have been times in my life when I felt I was at the end... not the end of life but the end of life as I knew it. There seemed to be no hope. As far back as I can remember I've wanted to let God handle things, but there were times when He didn't even seem to be there. Then He would remind me to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5) Whenever I listened and obeyed (as hard as that is sometimes), God always came through. He has grace enough to see us through.
The power of grace is enough to forgive us of all sins. It leads us through storms created by our own sins, but also sin in general. But we must be willing to come before Him with humble hearts to receive such grace. Proverbs 3:34 says, "He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble." The grace of God is available to all who will come to Him and freely receive it.
What we can expect when we experience the grace of God is beyond measure. Words like freedom, relief, refreshment, laughter, joy, and more come to mind. We no longer have to be negative and judgmental, we become more tolerant toward others. Guilt no longer is used to control others or to be controlled by others. In fact, all of the "tough" things the Bible encourages us to do in relationship with others, and with God, becomes possible. We become free of to love, forgive and experience forgiveness. God's grace is enough.
The power of grace is enough to forgive us of all sins. It leads us through storms created by our own sins, but also sin in general. But we must be willing to come before Him with humble hearts to receive such grace. Proverbs 3:34 says, "He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble." The grace of God is available to all who will come to Him and freely receive it.
What we can expect when we experience the grace of God is beyond measure. Words like freedom, relief, refreshment, laughter, joy, and more come to mind. We no longer have to be negative and judgmental, we become more tolerant toward others. Guilt no longer is used to control others or to be controlled by others. In fact, all of the "tough" things the Bible encourages us to do in relationship with others, and with God, becomes possible. We become free of to love, forgive and experience forgiveness. God's grace is enough.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
When I Fail
I read a devotional today by David Wilkerson. It reminded me of myself sometimes. He spoke of Adam's sin, and how he tried to hide from God. He also pointed out the truth that something much worse than failure is the fear that goes with it.
I thought of my many failures in the past and how, even though He holds us responsible to face their consequences, God always receives us with love and open arms. He doesn't get "mad" at us. Because of what Jesus did for us, and if we follow Him, we don't have to fear God. We can immediately come to Him and tell a Father who will receive us with more love than we can comprehend.
It also gives me hope for the future. As I follow God through Christ, I can know that He will help me as I face the consequences of my failure. Even then as I acknowledge Him, He will "direct my paths."
The path God has for us always leads us to and in Christ. To find His abundant life, we must follow His lead. Satan is a liar and wants us to believe there is no hope. But there is every hope in Jesus. That fact that you are reading this is evidence that God is reaching out to you. The Bible says we can't even consider God with the Holy Spirit calling us. (John 6:44)
Imagine a life of peace and abundance in the midst of the troubles of life. We are more than conquerors in Christ. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, NIV)
Have you failed? I know I have, many times. It doesn't matter how bad. No matter where you have failed, you are not out of God's reach and help. Don't fear Him and His guidance.
When I fail, I trust it to God.
Romans 8:35, 37-39 (NIV): Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
Guaranteed Answer To Prayer
Everything that has to do with our relationship with God has to do with prayer. Yet it is so foreign to most Christians. A strong prayer life isn't going to just happen. It will take work... the work of a disciple. But the results of the right kind of work is guaranteed. You can be a part of God's life and work in this world if you want it.
Recently I had our prayer group read 1 Timothy 2:4: "(God) wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." I asked, "Is it God's will that everyone be saved?" Of course, based on God's Word we can know that it is.
Then I had them to read John 14:13: "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." (NIV) Then I asked, "What would keep our friends and loved ones from being saved? The answer came: "If we do not pray."
What would keep you from experiencing all of the blessings of the Father? The lack of proper prayer. But we must remember, our motive must be right. Our motive must be to glorify the Father, not to get something from God. James 4:3 says, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." Even the best sounding prayers can be disqualified by a motive other than God's glory.
To seek God in the answer rather than seeking the answer in God is a step toward proper prayer. God is longing for a proper prayer relationship with you.
"'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV)
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Recently I had our prayer group read 1 Timothy 2:4: "(God) wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." I asked, "Is it God's will that everyone be saved?" Of course, based on God's Word we can know that it is.
Then I had them to read John 14:13: "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." (NIV) Then I asked, "What would keep our friends and loved ones from being saved? The answer came: "If we do not pray."
What would keep you from experiencing all of the blessings of the Father? The lack of proper prayer. But we must remember, our motive must be right. Our motive must be to glorify the Father, not to get something from God. James 4:3 says, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." Even the best sounding prayers can be disqualified by a motive other than God's glory.
To seek God in the answer rather than seeking the answer in God is a step toward proper prayer. God is longing for a proper prayer relationship with you.
"'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV)
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Monday, July 13, 2009
Help In Times Of Temptation
"The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment." (2 Peter 2:9, NKJV)
All of us are tempted. That's part of life in this world. Temptation is not sin. Sin comes when we give in to temptation. God knows that we cannot resist temptation on our on. So, He has made himself available to deliver us from the temptation. But it requires that we trust Him. "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15, NKJV) That makes Him well qualified to protect us. He is qualified to deserve our trust.
It is easier to avoid the predictable traps of temptation... those things that are major sources of temptation in our lives. It is quite another thing to avoid those things that await us in the secret, unobvious places. We can stray away from the obvious. Only God can guard us from the treacherous deception of the enemy in the often unseen places. It is good to remember that the greatest temptation may come when we have experienced a "victory" in another battle.
Throughout our lives we must trust HIM through every temptation. He will guide us away from the hazardous paths, and will do battle for us in the face of the tempter. Jesus said to pray like this: "And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:13a, NKJV) Reaffirming God's faithfulness, the Psalmist said, "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake." (Psalm 23:3, NKJV)
Trust Him with your temptations today.
All of us are tempted. That's part of life in this world. Temptation is not sin. Sin comes when we give in to temptation. God knows that we cannot resist temptation on our on. So, He has made himself available to deliver us from the temptation. But it requires that we trust Him. "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15, NKJV) That makes Him well qualified to protect us. He is qualified to deserve our trust.
It is easier to avoid the predictable traps of temptation... those things that are major sources of temptation in our lives. It is quite another thing to avoid those things that await us in the secret, unobvious places. We can stray away from the obvious. Only God can guard us from the treacherous deception of the enemy in the often unseen places. It is good to remember that the greatest temptation may come when we have experienced a "victory" in another battle.
Throughout our lives we must trust HIM through every temptation. He will guide us away from the hazardous paths, and will do battle for us in the face of the tempter. Jesus said to pray like this: "And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:13a, NKJV) Reaffirming God's faithfulness, the Psalmist said, "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake." (Psalm 23:3, NKJV)
Trust Him with your temptations today.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Connecting With God
Pain comes in many packages: physical, emotional, mental.... It is delivered through various means: circumstances in life, work, school, through the mail, through various people, even in the normal pace of things, and more.
Personally, as is the case with most of us, I've faced far more "dark" times then anyone can imagine. I've done well at keeping it to myself. Maybe that hasn't been the best thing to do. But you have faced them too. God knows, and He cares, and He will always work for us if we ask Him. No one can go so far that He cannot help.
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) says, For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Personally, as is the case with most of us, I've faced far more "dark" times then anyone can imagine. I've done well at keeping it to myself. Maybe that hasn't been the best thing to do. But you have faced them too. God knows, and He cares, and He will always work for us if we ask Him. No one can go so far that He cannot help.
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) says, For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The path to connecting with God may surprise you. I am convinced that the way to having needs met is to think first of others. If we do so with the right heart, God will do the rest. What better example than Job: When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! (Job 42:10, NIV)
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